Що таке CUAET (Канадсько-українська авторизація для екстрених поїздок)?

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is one of Canada's largest humanitarian initiatives in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The program has become not just a way to save thousands of Ukrainian families, but a symbol of Canada's solidarity with Ukraine. For residents of Calgary and Alberta, CUAET meant not just an immigration program, but a new chapter in their lives, hope, and a start for integration into Canadian society.

Essence and advantages of CUAET

CUAET is a unique temporary travel authorization program. Thanks to it, Ukrainians and their families were able to obtain special status in Canada for up to 3 years (instead of the usual 6 months for tourists) free of charge. In addition to the right to reside, the program immediately provided access to work, education, and social services, creating conditions for full integration and self-sufficiency. Some of the key benefits:

  • Visa-free and expedited entry for up to 3 years.
  • Free open work visa and study permit.
  • Access to public healthcare and social assistance.
  • No financial barriers to application.
  • Fast online processing (up to 14 days for simple applications).
  • Maximum flexibility in proving family ties.
  • Exemption from COVID vaccination requirements and a number of medical checks prior to entry.

How the program came about and developed

The launch of CUAET was announced on March 17, 2022, less than a month after the start of the full-scale war. The program was the result of joint efforts by the Canadian Parliament, representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, humanitarian organizations, and immigration experts.

In the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis, solutions were needed that would work quickly and effectively, so the CUAET was founded on the principles of simplification (minimal bureaucracy, remote application, maximum leniency for lost documents or complicated family histories).

A key feature of the program was a very liberal approach to defining “family members” — rights were even recognized for common-law partners, adopted children, guardians, grandchildren, and others. Relatives were not limited by citizenship — representatives of other countries who were married or had children with Ukrainians could also take advantage of the CUAET.

Who was covered by the program

The main groups eligible to apply were:

  • Ukrainian citizens regardless of place of birth.
  • Members of their families, even if they were citizens of other countries.
  • Ukrainians who were living or working in countries around the world (Europe, America, Asia, etc.) at the start of the war.

Applicants were not required to live in Ukraine or be present in person at the Canadian embassy.

Admission to CUAET — procedure and conditions

  • Applications were submitted online with the option of sending biometric data remotely.
  • The program ensured ultra-fast processing (up to 2 weeks for simple cases).
  • There were no fees for visas, status renewal, or work/study permits.
  • You could apply even if you didn't have all the documents (it was important to show your connection to Ukraine, even in complicated family situations).

Results

From March 2022 to April 2024:

  • 1,189,320 applications were submitted.
  • 962,612 approved (over 80%).
  • Approximately 298,128 people arrived (the difference is that not everyone used their approved visa).
  • The proportion of those who chose Alberta and Calgary increased thanks to the work of the diaspora and the economic opportunities in the region.

Work and study: unique permits

CUAET allowed:

  • Obtain a 3-year open work permit (not tied to an employer).
  • Change or renew the permit from within Canada until March 31, 2026.
  • Obtain study permits free of charge (with the possibility of working at the same time).
  • Work part-time while studying and full-time during vacations.
  • Children can attend daycare and school free of charge and participate in government supplementary education programs.

Integration and support in Calgary

Organizations and services

  • Immigrant Services Calgary — the main provider of adaptation and employment services.
  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) — employment, integration, family support.
  • Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary Branch — cultural, language, and social support.
  • Alberta provincial programs — financial and housing assistance for newcomers (money, housing, starter kits).

Education and children

  • Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District: special programs for Ukrainian children, adaptation and psychological support, language and preparatory courses.
  • University of Calgary and colleges: financial assistance, recognition of diplomas, simplified admission.

Health

  • Access to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) — insurance for all CUAET participants.
  • Mental health: support programs, network of Ukrainian-speaking psychologists.
  • Additional: dental care through volunteers and donors.

Work and economy

  • Recognition of diplomas and simplified licensing procedures for professionals.
  • Support programs for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
  • Professional English language training courses.
  • Focus on high-paying industries (IT, oil and gas, medicine).

Housing

  • Temporary accommodation, coordination of apartment searches.
  • Services and subsidies from Alberta Housing, rental assistance programs for low-income families.
  • Humanitarian aid: furniture, household appliances, clothing distribution center.

Legal, social, and psychological assistance

  • National free legal advice line: 1-877-873-7875 (Ukrainian, English, French).
  • Free legal aid clinics, support with immigration, residency, and employment issues.
  • Psychological support: Alberta Health Services, Mental Health Helpline, The Immigrant Education Society (TIES).
  • Active support for religious institutions — places for meeting, integration, psychological and spiritual resources.

Challenges and adaptation

The program required constant coordination between dozens of organizations, balancing the interests of integration and preservation of Ukrainian identity. Additional difficulties arose with the recognition of diplomas, language learning, and adaptation to a new society. Another challenge was the lack of affordable housing.

Long-term integration

Many CUAET participants consider Canada their new home, and the government offers pathways to permanent status (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, etc.), taking into account the experience and education already gained in Canada.

Impact on Calgary and the Ukrainian community

The program has not only been a lifeline for thousands of families, but also a catalyst for the development of the city's Ukrainian community: new businesses have opened, cultural and economic activity has increased, and the diaspora has been given new impetus.

Conclusion: CUAET is a true example of a fast and effective humanitarian policy that has significantly impacted the lives of people, the structure of the community, and the multicultural space of Calgary. Its experience is unique for global immigration in recent years.